How to make spring a littler easier for allergy sufferers

Thursday

Apr 25, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Q. Every spring, I get attacked by allergies. What are some ways to treat this?

Q. Every spring, I get attacked by allergies. What are some ways to treat this?

A. It's certainly the season to ask this question. The weather has just gotten nicer, and we can finally put away our winter coats. However, allergies during this time of year become rampant, and if you are allergic and aren't prepared or haven't experienced them before, it can become quite disorienting. Some may develop allergy symptoms for the first time in allergy season, even if they have not experienced symptoms in the past.

Nasal allergies and asthma are triggered by various allergic triggers such as pollens, dust mites, animal dander and molds. Pollen allergies are typically seasonal. Some pollens, such as tree pollens and grass pollens, are dispersed in spring and summer. Weed pollens, such as those dispersed from ragweed plants, are dispersed in fall.

Pollens carry seeds from male plants and travel by means of wind for several miles to be deposited on female plants. Therefore, pollen allergy sufferers can be affected by pollen-producing structures such as trees, grasses and weed plants situated several miles away.

Allergy sufferers produce an allergy antibody in their blood which interacts with the inhaled pollen protein on the surface of certain cells called mast cells, which are present on the lining of the nose, eyes and breathing passages. The interaction of these three (pollen proteins, allergy antibody and mast cells) result in release of the chemicals present within the mast cells. These chemicals are responsible in causing nasal inflammation (sneezing, runny nose and itchy nose). Inflammation of the lining of the eyes results in itchy, watery, red eyes. Inflammation of the lining of breathing passages of the lungs result in asthma symptoms.

In spring, allergy sufferers not only have the symptoms described above, but also significant impairment in quality of life in other ways. They may have associated headaches or feel as if their head is in a fog. Their cognitive functions decline because they are not feeling well and are not able to concentrate, with the resultant decline in their school and/or work performance in these troubled months. This has a significant social and financial impact.

Minimizing the exposure to pollens is an important step in relieving allergies, and although it's not possible to eliminate your exposure, there are a few things you can do to lessen suffering:

Don't dry clothes outside during warmer pollen seasons. It will reduce the accumulation of pollens within the clothing and bedsheets. Judicious use of air conditioning in the house can filter out the pollens to some extent. Avoid swimming outdoors since pollens present on the surface of the water may be inhaled. Try to brush your pets prior to bringing them in the house to reduce the amount of pollens in their fur. Keep bedroom windows closed during pollen seasons. On high pollen count days, try to plan activities indoors. Wash your hair at night, prior to sleeping, during pollen seasons.

For individuals with milder allergic symptoms, many over-the-counter antihistamines are available. They are for the most part non-sedating, safe, and usually work well. Periodic use of such medications is a reasonable approach so long as they control the symptoms and improve the quality of life. These antihistamines help by blocking the allergic chemical histamine that is released during allergic reaction from the mast cells described above.

Some individuals with significant allergy problems may require additional prescriptions that block allergic chemicals other than histamine. These medications are very effective but only available through prescription, requiring a physician visit. They consist of oral tablets and nasal steroid sprays.

When medications do not work or only partially work in conjunction with employing strategies to reduce pollen exposure by methods described above, and if symptoms recur year after year, then this modality of management is considered in selected situations. This involves a series of injections to place relevant pollens beneath the skin to turn off the allergic response generated by the immune system.

If you find yourself sniffling, coughing or itching more than usual this season, remember these options and help yourself enjoy this time of year without suffering.

Rajesh Bhagat, M.D., is certified by the American Board of Allergy/Immunology and the American Board of Pediatrics. Bhagat practices in East Stroudsburg and is an affiliate of Pocono Medical Center.